2010 NFL Draft: Running Back Rankings

This year's crop of running backs is filled with game-changing runners and quite a few bruising backs that love to pound the ball in between the tackles.

There's a back for anyone who needs one in this draft, and every player in this Top-10 list has the ability to make a name for themselves in the NFL, while the Top five-six could have an immediate impact.

Here's the 2010 NFL Draft running back rankings:

1. C. J. Spiller (Clemson)

Spiller is without a doubt the top back in this draft class; He has the perfect blend of speed, power, vision, and intangibles to excel at the next level.

Widely known for his speed and ability to bounce outside, Spiller is also very solid between the tackles, and rarely goes down after the first hit.

He will struggle to find room against the NFL's defensive tackles, but once he has a seam, he has the ability to routinely beat linebackers and get past the secondary.

Spiller is a tough runner—actually is a very capable blocker—while also possessing excellent receiving skills. He's a Reggie Bush-type, although he actually projects as a bonafide "every down back" at the next level, unlike Bush.

2. Jonathan Dwyer (Georgia Tech)

Dwyer's main knock is that, while he has ideal measureables and speed, he simply isn't a natural runner. His instincts can sometimes hold him back, as he can be impatient in waiting for his blocks, and he will often settle for running into defenders, rather than looking for the right hole.

However, when he does hit the right hole, he can be gone in an instant. Dwyer is an exceptional back in the open field, while also possessing the ability to plow over defenders and break tackles.

Physically, he's right there with Spiller, and could even be regarded as the best back in the draft. He needs to develop better awareness to guarantee an impact at the next level.

3. Jahvid Best (California)

Best doesn't have the ideal size to fit in as an every down player at the next level, but that hasn't stopped small backs before. His other knock is his inability to remain consistent.

Regardless of the minor flaws in his game, Best is a highlight reel waiting to happen, with blazing speed and the ability to take any play the distance. He's a dynamite performer that could easily develop into the best back of his class, given the right environment and the correct role.

He still has a long way to go in terms of fundamentals and consistency, but Best should be able to provide an immediate game-changing presence, whether it be as a situational back, or in the return game.

4. Toby Gerhart (Stanford)

Gerhart was a complete workhorse at Stanford for the past two seasons, as he carried the Cardinals to national recognition, while destroying almost every opponent in the Pac-10.

The only knock on Gerhart is his lack of elite speed, although even that is difficult to question, as he has shown the ability to break long runs, along with the agility to make defenders miss.

He hasn't been used much in the passing game, but Gerhart has proven to be a versatile weapon in his few touches through the air. He's a pure bruiser with exceptional vision, with an uncanny ability to find the end zone.

Many experts are already pegging him as a fullback, but Gerhart is a full-blown running back. Any team that takes a chance on him will be getting a hard runner that finishes each and every carry and is a tireless chain-mover.

5. Anthony Dixon (Mississippi State)

Dixon is a lot like Gerhart, although not as impressive when it comes to the numbers.

With great power and vision, Dixon has the total package for a team looking for a bruiser with the ability to break a big play. Dixon has soft hands, which make him a legitimate threat out of the backfield.

Dixon and Gerhart are arguably interchangeable, as they have similar styles, although Dixon needs to prove he has the same kind of consistency and toughness that Gerhart does if he wants to be selected ahead of him.

A sound 40 time could easily move Dixon up the rankings, as everything else points to him being a first day selection.

6. Charles Scott (LSU)

Scott has seen his stock fall over the past year, as he suffered a season-ending broken collarbone, and wasn't playing at a very high level prior to the injury.

However, he's a natural back with a nice blend of power and quickness, as well as the ability to get into the end zone. He has excelled in short yardage situations, and was a key cog for LSU in a very productive junior campaign.

Average speed could hold him back, but he has the size and frame to do some serious damage in the NFL if he can have a good combine and stay healthy.

7. Chris Brown (Oklahoma)

Brown is a very gifted runner who took a bit of a back-seat to DeMarco Murray, although he still put up solid numbers, rushing for 774 yards and seven touchdowns.

He proved he could handle the full load in his junior season, running for 1,220 yards and 20 touchdowns in 2008.

Brown doesn't have ideal size, and could face durability issues at the next level, but he does have good speed and agility and solid pass-catching skills. Teams will have to overlook his down 2009 campaign for him to be selected on the first day.

8. Joique Bell (Wayne State)

Bell is a Division II prospect, but still finds a nice spot in this Top-10 list, as he has been extremely productive—2,000 plus yards in past two seasons—and has good size, as well as all the attributes NFL teams look for.

Bell is a good inside runner with solid tackle-breaking ability. He can also be used as a receiver out of the backfield.

He possesses good vision and acceleration, having the ability to leave defenders standing in their place, while hitting the second gear to burst by them. Bell can be an explosive weapon, but staying on the field could be an issue at the next level.

His pass-protection skills and his ability to read defenses are fairly weak for a pro prospect, and will need to prove he can progress as a student of the game. He still needs good efforts in the Senior Bowl and at the NFL Combine to earn a good selection in the draft, but he's too talented to be passed up in all seven rounds.

9. Montario Hardesty (Tennessee)

Hardesty finished with impressive numbers on the season, topping over 1,300 rushing yards, 14 touchdowns, and reeling in 25 receptions.

Hardesty is a tough runner with good speed, although he'll need to add bulk to his frame to be consistent in the NFL—which worries some scouts—as his speed could suffer.

His ability to catch the ball could move him up a few spots, as not all the backs in this year's class have as much experience/success as he's had in the passing game.

10. Ben Tate (Auburn)

Tate has decent size and good speed, but has struggled with consistency issues. He rattled off over 1,300 rushing yards for his senior season, along with 10 touchdowns, while also displaying his ability to catch out of the backfield with 20 receptions.

Tate isn't as flashy as some of the backs that will go before him, but he's a natural runner with good vision and a good frame. He could be a solid steal in the middle rounds, and would be a deep sleeper if he dropped any further.

Honorable Mentions: LeGarrette Blount, Ryan Matthews, Joe McKnight